Saying Goodbye

Five years ago, my 2nd blog post was about thoughts on death. My grandmother had died a few weeks prior to writing it and I found myself in a melancholy mood as I thought about some of the people I had lost in my life. I didn’t get to say goodbye to any of them. They were all sudden and unexpected, as I guess most deaths are, but today’s loss was not. I knew it was coming. My mom and I have been talking about it for a few weeks, and I encouraged her to say what she needed to say to her sister before she passed on because she didn’t get that chance when she lost her mom. Thankfully, she was able to spend some sweet time with my aunt last weekend before Aunt Sharon took a turn for the worse and was hospitalized.

It’s been an agonizing week for my aunt and her family as well as my extended family. She’s been in poor health the past few years enduring two kidney transplants, a heart attack,  and surviving breast cancer. This on top of a debilitating disease I can’t pronounce, being deaf without her hearing aides, and suffering from a myriad of illnesses. She was a fighter, but the latest cancer – this time in her liver and spreading – got the best of her. She came down with pneumonia a little over a week ago, and spiraled downhill from there. Within a few days, she wasn’t making any sense when she talked, or recognizing her husband and children. Family members started hanging out at the hospital around the clock so she wouldn’t be alone unless she was sleeping, then tonight we all had to say goodbye. Surrounded by people who loved her, she went to be with Jesus.

I won’t be there to grieve with the family or attend the funeral, so I wanted to write a tribute to her here and share a few memories. This picture was taken by my photographer cousin Lisa, who shared a special bond (and one of her kidneys) with Aunt Sharon. I don’t know when it was taken, and I didn’t get permission to post it here, so please forgive me Lisa! I didn’t have any recent pictures of her.

When I was very small, Aunt Sharon used to babysit me and my brothers so my mom could go to work. It was REALLY early in the morning when we would arrive and she’d put cartoons on for us, cover us with blankets, and give us cereal. I always felt welcome at her house.

I took an art class one summer during elementary school. One day I arrived at school only to open the door and catch it over my sandals, ripping the nail up from my big toe. Instead of going inside to get help, I left a bloody trail as I ran/walked/hopped all the way to Aunt Sharon’s house a few blocks away so she could take care of me. I knew she could make it all better, and she did.

When I was an awkward teenager, she’d run her fingers through my curly hair (I called it frizzy), and tell me I was beautiful and that she loved me. She was always praising me and telling me how talented I was.

No one could top Aunt Sharon’s apple pie. Forget the 9″ round pan. The woman used a 1/2 sheet cake pan, made her own crust and filling, baked and frosted it, and served it in huge slices. The very last time I saw her, I enjoyed a big apple pie slice!

When I remember Aunt Sharon, I’ll think of the memories I’ve already shared here, the Mt. Dew she drank when I was a kid, the hundreds of pieces of Elvis memorabilia she had, her sense of humor and the way she’d lightly slap my arm at the punch line as she let me in on whatever joke she was telling, and the video I have of her doing her best to rip through a deck of cards, something my brother Lennie and I taught her a few years ago.

She was good to me and I will miss her! She leaves behind a husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law, grandson, and a huge extended family. Please pray for them all as they too say goodbye.

In loving memory, I end this post with my favorite song by her favorite artist. I don’t know if she had a favorite song by Elvis, but I can’t think of either of them without thinking of the other one too. For you Aunt Sharon…

Gratituesday – There’s No Place Like Home

It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve participated in Gratituesday which is hosted by my college friend Laura over at HeavenlyHomemakers.com. Frankly, I’ve been missing the weekly reminder to list (if only mentally) all of the things I have to be grateful for. What better way to get back on schedule after a long trip?

Today I’m grateful for my home. My family returned yesterday from a month-long fund-raising trip for our ministry. After enjoying the hospitality of friends in 3 states, and living out of the back of our van for 4 weeks, we were all happy to sleep in our own beds last night. As I walked through the front door, I thanked God for taking care of my home while I was away. There were no burglaries, busted pipes (Denver got a freak snowstorm while we were away), or funny smells. Everything was as I had left it and I realized how blessed I am to have this big space to call my own and share with my family and friends. It was warm, safe, and welcoming. The kids ran to their bedrooms exclaiming, “My bed! My toys!” and I knew how they felt. I smiled as I entered my office – the place that holds all of my favorite belongings – and looking around, I happy sighed.

My home. Neither palace nor shack, it’s my little corner of the world where I feel creative and accepted and loved. The place where I am queen, artist, organizer, teacher, story-teller to little ones, and so much more. There’s no place like HOME!

Please join us for  Gratituesday at  Heavenly Homemakers!

While Gratituesday comes around every week during the year…this month we’re focussing on being extra thankful!  Read about the November Gratitude Challenge here and take part in the joy of praising God for how He has blessed us all!

 

And the winner is…Sally!

Thank you for entering my drawing!

Stop back next week for a chance to win a copy of Boy-sterous Living by Colorado author, Jean Blackmer.

Woodhouse Family: Welcome Home!

Joy. It’s all about J-O-Y with her. I’m talking about my friend Kim Woodhouse. I’ve blogged about meeting her at a writer’s group, asked for prayers on her family’s behalf, celebrated with them when they were chosen by the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show, and shared pictures from the “reveal day.” For months, I talked about this amazing family to anyone who would listen, and now I have the honor of telling the world (along with several other bloggers) about her new book!

My anticipation of this book release was great, and I was not disappointed. I was thrilled to read Welcome Home! and learn more than I ever knew about Kim, Jeremy, Josh and Kayla. I cried, laughed, and cried some more. I continue to be impressed with Jeremy’s patience and strength, Kim’s perseverance and joy, Josh’s tender and loyal heart, and Kayla’s sweet spirit and hope. I am thankful for the thousands of people who have touched their lives, walked through many trials with them, and encouraged them to never give up.

From the back cover:

Overwhelming trials . . . met with overcoming joy.

Kayla Woodhouse is not your typical twelve-year-old. Due to a rare medical disorder, she feels no pain, doesn’t sweat, and needs protective cooling gear just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle; countless hospitalizations, including brain surgery; and the resulting mountain of hospital bills, what’s a family to do?

How the Woodhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions of people have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery’s Mystery ER, The Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (recently voted one of the show’s all-time best episodes!).

Now Kayla’s mom, Kimberley, takes readers behind the cameras to reveal their family’s journey as never before told. From medical sleuthing to cross-country moves, from freak fires to battles with insurance companies, Welcome Home proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. This candid life story reveals both success and failure and demonstrates how, even during tough circumstances, to shift your life from heartbreak to extreme joy.

Peek inside the Woodhouse family’s life (and their famous house) with a 16-page photo insert.

I’m going to give you the opportunity to do just that! For a chance to win a signed copy of Welcome Home!, leave a comment at the end of this post. On Monday morning, September 21st, I’ll draw a name using random.org.

This book was the reminder I needed to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Kim lives by this verse, clings to it, and rejoices in it, and her story is a wonderful example of faith for the rest of us!

kimberleywoodhouse.com has it all! Learn more about the Woodhouse family, check out Kim’s other projects, sign up for her monthly newsletter, invite her to speak, shop her store, leave a note of encouragement, and more!

*Don’t forget to leave a comment here for a chance to win Welcome Home!*

It’s available for purchase from Focus on the Family, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Parable Books, and Amazon.

Jesus Love You…This I Know

I’ve been a long time fan and supporter of XXXChurch.com and it’s co-founders, Mike Foster and Craig Gross. Two years ago I read what has become one of my favorite books, The Gutter written by Craig. I was so deeply moved by the amazing job he did communicating the heart of what it looks like to love people right where they are, I made the book suggested reading for everyone participating in our summer program this year. I told all my friends about it, and bought extra books to give away. So when I heard Craig had a new project coming out this year, I was ecstatic and signed up to promote it. I am SO glad I did.

Jesus Loves You…This I Know

Craig and his friend and co-author Jason Harper, outdid themselves with Jesus Loves You…This I Know. The message they offer is one of the most misunderstood and often rejected phrases of our time. To believers, “Jesus loves you” has become a cliche. To those who don’t yet know Jesus, it’s offensive and unbelievable, after all, some of the people who claim to represent Jesus are sending a different message- a message that does not communicate love, but judgment and condemnation. Through their book, Craig and Jason share their desire to live a life compelled by love and share their passion to tell everyone that they are loved no matter who they are, what they’ve done, or what they do.

It is essential to show people that they can belong in your world even if they don’t act, think, behave, or believe like you do.

I was glad they wrote about the process of belonging before believing or behaving differently. The idea didn’t start with them, but with Jesus when he loved those whom people hated. He dined with tax collectors, accepted water from adulterous women, and met privately with a Pharisee who had questions. His encounter with people changed them and they behaved differently after they knew the belonging He offered them. What a beautiful picture of God’s grace and mercy.

The world divides. Jesus Unites.

Jason’s story “Water for the Thirsty,” had me simultaneously weeping and cheering “YES!” while Craig’s story about Jesus loving the religious – those who judge (and who happen to be those I tend to judge) hit me where it hurts. I wept some more, this time with a repentant heart.  Craig and Jason aren’t your typical Pastors, and their book is filled with stories of how their calling has brought them into community with unlikely friends and earned them hate mail from others.

Why should you read this book? Because it will challenge, inspire, and change you. Visit jesuslovesyou.net to download a pdf sample or audio sample, read what others think of the book, watch films, share your story, purchase the book, and more. Buy a copy for your brother or your best friend, then tell others about it and do your best to live the message. Find Craig and Jason on Facebook and Twitter. You can never have too many friends.

Other Books by Craig:

The Gutter: Where Life is Meant to be Lived

Questions You Can’t Ask Your Mama About Sex…

The Dirty Little Secret: Uncovering the Truth…

Starving Jesus: Off the Pew, into the World

Blue Like Play Dough

Just this morning I hid in the bathroom so I could finish reading Tricia Goyer’s new book, Blue Like Play Dough. I had forgotten about my commitment to be a part of her blog tour, and though I was excited to receive her book in the mail, I thought it would have to wait until August after our summer groups ended. Then I got the email telling me my review was scheduled for July 30th. What? I’m in the middle of our busy summer schedule and barely have time to breathe let alone read and review a book!

My desire to be a woman of my word won out and I began reading. By the end of the first page, Tricia’s conversational style had drawn me in. After the 50 or so parenting books I’ve read, I wasn’t expecting any new information, or to have the condition of my heart challenged.  I thought I would have to rush through the book looking for highlights I could share to encourage you to read it as well. I was unprepared for all that God would speak to me through Tricia’s words – busy or not.

In Chapter One, Tricia writes:

“He loves me just as I am. He knows my to-do list and that I’ll never get to the end of it. Ever. God sees my heart… My flaws neither surprise Him nor dissuade him from entering my life. It’s not as if God says, `I was going to visit you today, but I think I’ll wait until you balance that checkbook, clean out your fridge, and start the Bible study you’ve been meaning to get around to.’ God’s not like that…”

She wrote these words months ago, but God knew I’d need to read them now. That’s where I’m living this summer, in a place of thankfulness that God comes to me IN my mess. I’m an organized mess which puts me in the category of being a walking, breathing oxymoron.

Throughout her book, Tricia speaks of the ways God has molded and shaped her through the trials of being a teen mom, having 3 generations living under one roof, and the realization that THIS is life, it’s not something that happens after…(you fill in the blank.) I felt the check in my spirit as she spoke of that inner nudging moms get when they know something is wrong or when they feel convicted of God’s leading in certain situations. But the real zinger came when I read these words:

“Lord, what’s up? Why do I feel so heavy hearted?  I paused as my whispered prayers caught in my throat. Deep down I knew what was wrong. ..I’d been lazy about my spiritual health. I’d made time for ME. I’d even found time to write about God, but I hadn’t made time for God.“

Ouch. She nailed me, and the explanation for my weariness crystallized in my heart. I knew she was right. I updated my Facebook to say Tricia was kicking my butt, and my friend Margie responded with “Tricia? Or God?” Ouch. Nailed again.

I like the play dough analogy. It fits. God squeezes me in unexpected ways as he forms me into the woman I’m meant to be. I have my own shape, and like the mood ring I treasured in junior high, my colors change with the amount of heat I’m feeling. I’ve been blue a lot over the past year. Today I’m green – peaceful, knowing I’m right where I’m supposed to be, and addressing the things in my life that the Holy Spirit has shown me.  This book played a part in my shaping as God used Tricia’s life to remind me that I need Him just as much as she does – as we all do – and that He wants me too.

Why should you read this book? Because it’s one part “we’re all in this together”, one part kick in the big girl pants, one part encouragement, and one part words of life. It was worth every minute spent reading during this busy season I’m in. Thank you Tricia!

Check out her website at http://www.triciagoyer.com

Be a part of the Get One-Give One Campaign! For details click here:

(http://triciagoyer.com/gogo.html)

To read other reviews on Tricia’s blog tour, click here:

http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/what-is-new/87-blue-like-play-dough-blog-tour

To read an excerpt from Blue Like Play Dough, click here:

http://triciagoyer.com/cmsdocuments/Blue_Like_Play_Dough_Prologue_CH_1.pdf

To purchase the book, click here: http://triciagoyer.com/store.html

Date night with Max

Max and I went on a date tonight. My spunky nine year old is so funny, and I don’t mean in a telling jokes sort of way. Earlier today I told Benny I was going to see Transformers, and he suggested I take Max with me. I almost said no because it was my kid-free day (I need those every now and then) and he had already seen the movie with Benny. It didn’t make sense to me to pay for him to see it again. Then I remembered that he had been asking me when we were going to have a Mommy-Max date again. It had been awhile, so I changed my mind.

When I pulled into the driveway to pick him up, he hopped into the van before I had come to a complete stop. He was all smiles and had put on his nicest clothes for our date, and he chatted the whole way to the theater. I lost track of how many times he said, “You’re going to love this Mommy!” If you know me, then you know my son. Max has his mother’s worst and best traits, which sometimes drives me crazy. He takes “detail oriented” to a whole new level! Max told me that we needed to sit in the exact same seats he and his Popa had occupied a few days earlier. (Insert rolling eyes here!) He explained where the speakers were in relation to our seats so we’d have the best sound possible. He told me what previews were coming up next, and he pointed out that I needed to turn off my cell phone – bossy little thing.

We loved the movie, and had a good time comparing notes while walking back to the van. Tonight I watched my son in amazement. He soaks everything in and categorizes it by whatever system is clicking away in his brain. He’s smart and articulate, kind hearted, and friendly. He smiles at strangers and holds doors for people. He notices details that I miss, then launches into talking about the weather. Tomorrow he’ll wake up and check ebay for Transformers stuff and draw Autobots all over the place. He’s such a predictable kid, and he’s so…well…good. I must be doing something right.

Post-Conference List

The writer’s conference exceeded my expectations and then some! I was able to serve by doing what I do best…organizing people. Here’s my list of the top ten things I’ve done regarding the conference:

1. Attended several workshops and took 22 pages of notes.
2. Encouraged and teased a few of the agents and publishers. They’re real people too.
3. Prayed with and for some hurting folks.
4. Connected with some new friends in the Denver area.
5. Had a blast with Jan, Kathy, Paula, and Kristi, some of my best friends in the writing world AND in the world where normal people live.
6. Returned home with several story ideas for books and articles, which I’ll be writing during my vast amounts of spare time this summer. HA! I’ll be lucky to pick up a pen between June and August.
7. Was completely convicted about my blogging habits, so I’ve begun redesigning this blog to fit my style and personality better, and I’m working towards a more user friendly, streamlined site. Bear with me.
8. Decided that the next year will be my time to dig deep and find my writing voice while I’m learning the craft. I’m starting with Terry Whalin’s must read book, Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. Thank You Terry! I’ve already begun reading with my highlighter in hand.
9. Paid attention to what topics kept rising to the surface when asked what I’m passionate about and what I write.
10. Began making plans for what I’m going to be pitching to the pros next year.

If you’re a writer and you’ve never been to a conference, it’s time to find one and GO! Get those fingers typing into the Google search bar for conferences in your area. Right now. Make it happen. You’ll thank me later. And go buy Terry’s book!

Preparing for my first writer’s conference

After writing about my fears in my last post, I decided to turned my apprehension into appreciation and knowledge.  I feel better already! After a little research combined with my past experience (and a need to post on my writer’s group blog – The Inkwell), I penned the following post this evening. These tips can be tweaked to fit any type of conference.

In two short weeks, the 12th annual Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference is being held at the YMCA of the Rockies, in beautiful Estes Park. Although I am a conference veteran from my youth ministry days, this will be my first one devoted to the craft of writing. As the newest ACFW member that blogs here, I’m going to assume that other newbie writers might need some conference preparation tips too. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experiences, lessons taught at the writer’s groups I’m in, friendly advice, and a few helpful websites:

BEFORE

PLAN AHEAD

1. Study the Conference Brochure. Identify What you most need to learn, then choose workshops that provide it. Learn something new.

2. Know who the faculty are. There will be professional writers, mentors, Agents, and Editors there. If you happen to sit next to one of them at a meal, or land a coveted appointment with one of them, it would be nice if you knew their name.

3. Find out what is required to make appointments with your chosen professional, and make your requests early. Prepare a list of questions to ask editors, agents, and/or writers -things you want answered before you return home.

4. Create a 30 second pitch for your book/article/screenplay idea and practice it. Try writing your idea in 20 words or less. Your time will be limited during your meeting, and you’ll be prepared to answer the most popular question of your conference stay, “What do you write?”

5. Prepare professional looking proposals, one sheets, and queries, and have copies available if an agent or editor requests them.

PACK

1. Comfortable clothing and shoes – the level of professional attire depends on the standards of the conference you’re attending. Dress in layers for varying room temperatures. Check the weather ahead of time and bring an umbrella, snow boots, or whatever else is needed for your trip.

2. A sturdy tote bag to hold the following:

• Laptop and/or paper and pens – you decide what works for you.
• Business Cards – make sure ALL of your information is current.
• Bible & Journal
• Thank you notes for follow up after your appointments
• Water Bottle, mints, and snacks
• Camera
• Money for the conference book store. You know you’ll want to buy stuff!
• An extra tote or room in your suitcase for the stuff you buy.
• Labeled folders, manila envelopes, or even an expandable file. Possible labels might include:

1. Contacts – To hold business cards/brochures of people you meet.
2. Expenses – Receipts for tax deductions like meal expenses, transportation, CD’s or books to improve your craft, etc.
3. Proposals, Queries, One Sheets – self explanatory, and it looks good when you’re organized.
4. Workshop Notes/Handouts – Even for those you don’t attend so you’ll have them if you buy the CD or mp3.

A little organization before you leave will save you lots of time and hassle while you’re there AND after you return home!

DURING

1. Prepare for little sleep, your creative energy will be high, but pace yourself. Unplug if you need some quiet time to reflect and relax, or just need to escape for a nap.

2. Don’t be shy. Meet as many people as possible and ask questions. Everyone has something to share and there will be those who are new or attending alone and they’re feeling awkward too. Practice active listening and don’t monopolize the conversation, but speak up when it is your turn to do so. Remember that you have something to share too.

3. Talk to the professionals. They are there to help you grow as a writer. Ask your questions and write down any thoughts or ideas they share that you might forget.

4. Remember to collect and file business cards, handouts, receipts, etc. These will be very important to you after the conference ends.

AFTER

1. Give yourself a few days/week to regroup. You may find yourself in “conference overload” and need time to process all that you learned. Keep your notes and ideas handy!

2. Send thank you notes to the people you had appointments with, your roommates, and anyone else you need to acknowledge that made your conference a memorable experience.

3. Take what you learned and apply it to your writing. WRITE. RE-WRITE. SUBMIT. REPEAT.

4. FOLLOW UP! If an agent or editor requested your work, send it to them within 30 days, or even 2 weeks. The sooner the better. It’s amazing how many people don’t follow through with this step. Don’t let fear hold you back!

5. Stay connected to the writers you meet. You’re adding value to other people. Who knows your writing trials and triumphs better than other writers?

Above all else, PRAY before, during, and after the conference!

I hope these tips have fanned the flames of excitement as you prepare for an amazing 4 days! Look for me while you’re there. I’ll be the curly redhead with the big smile and the dazed look on her face. I’m kidding…sort of.

My helpful sources:

Megan DiMaria’s Writing Conference Tips

Lessons from my friend, Michele Cushatt

The Words For The Journey Blog

Preparing to attend a writer’s conference by Julie H. Ferguson
(Used with permission)

The wonderfully creative, mostly organized, and occasionally wacky brain of Niki Nowell

Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference in Estes Park

In two weeks I’m headed to the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies for my first ever writer’s conference.  As I prepare for that few days away from my family, I am filled with excitement and a little apprehension. My friend Kristi and I will be staying in her cabin in Estes Park, and I will know a few people at the conference, but I’m intimidated by all that I don’t know. We talked about conference preparedness at one of my writer’s groups last week, which helped, but I’m feeling a strong need to be myself even if I might do things a little differently than some of the more experienced attendees. I want to fit in and yet stick with what works for me, you know?

The 4 day conference will be filled with making friends, general sessions led by phenomenal speakers, and what I’m most excited about, attending a variety of workshops.  There are so many to choose from! I started marking off  those I’m most interested in, and quickly realized I’m totally on the non-fiction track. I think that suits me. I’m looking forward to soaking up the knowledge the speakers have to share with me.  Here are a few of the workshops I’m planning on attending: Writing Compelling True Stories (Creative Nonfiction), Writing in the Niches: How to Identify, Connect With, and Maximize Your Audience, Map to Magazine Writing, and The Literature of Personal Disaster.

So where does the apprehension come in? Being asked, “So what do you write?” and not knowing how to answer. Do I say I’m a blogger? An anthology contributor? I know what I am NOT, and I’m still figuring out what I AM. Is it a good thing to be clearly defined? It is in the writing world, and I’m not there yet. I’m hoping this conference will give me some direction and confidence about where I’m headed. I’m going to do my best to leave my expectations at home.

All the talk I’ve heard about “selling yourself” makes me nervous too. I hear this is one of the more relaxed conferences where jeans aren’t totally frowned upon, which is good since that’s what I’m most comfortable wearing. I can dress jeans up a little with a cute shirt, so I’m going to dress like me and not worry about looking “professional” this time around. I’m not planning any meetings with Agents or Editors, so no business suits, but no pink fuzzy slippers either.

“Write His Answer” is the theme this year. The website says, “If you long for your words to make a difference in the lives of your readers, if your heart’s desire is to be encouraged and equipped to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives…”  Yes! That’s me!  Please pray that God will give me His direction in how to accomplish that goal like only I can.

http://writehisanswer.com/Colorado/